Fast facts
- Country music capital of Australia
- Tamworth was the first city in the southern hemisphere to have electric street lighting (installed in 1888)
- 420 km west of Sydney, population 32,440
Why go there
Tamworth is a very welcoming country city and flourishing commercial centre with excellent accommodation and restaurants. Surrounding country towns, such as Nundle and Kootingal, are charming and Lake Keepit, not too far away, is great for camping and fishing for golden perch.
History
The Kamilaroi people lived in the Tamworth area before European contact. Explorer John Oxley passed through in 1818, en route to the coast, but the town itself didn't take off until the 1840s when it became a service centre for sheep and cattle stations in the area. The town prospered and the railway arrived 1878. Tamworth was proclaimed a city in 1946.
Things to do
- Walk the Heritage Trail and uncover Tamworth's historic buildings.
- Boot-scoot through the Hands of Fame Park, which contains the handprints of about 200 country music stars.
- Go to a baseball game, one of the town’s favourite pastimes.
- Tred the Kamilaroi Walking Track, a scenic ridge-top walk that looks over the Peel Valley.
Events
- Country Music Festival, a 10-day "don't miss" music event in January.
- National Professional Rodeo in January.
- Hats Off to Country Festival in July.
Don’t miss
- A visit to Walk a Country Mile for a crash-course in country music history. Enjoy various interactive displays.
- The collection of immaculate motorbikes at the Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum.
- The mighty 12-metre-high Golden Guitar and behind it the Gallery of Stars Wax Museum.
- Buying an authentic Akubra hat or R.M. Williams riding boots at Blowes general store.
